Tears of the Valedictorian
Frog Eyes · 2007
36 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of fractured melodies and surreal lyrics wrapped in lo-fi production and impassioned vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Caravan Breakers, They Prey on the Weak and the Old — This track exemplifies the band’s lyrical depth and experimental sound, weaving together haunting imagery with dynamic instrumentation that shifts throughout its length.
-
→
Idle Songs — As the opening track, it sets the tone for the album with its concise yet impactful instrumentation and introduces themes of nostalgia and loss.
-
→
Bushels — At nearly ten minutes long, this sprawling piece encapsulates the band’s willingness to push boundaries, blending complex arrangements with evocative storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's ambitious songwriting and unique sound contribute to its distinctiveness and durability.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as transitioning from slow, contemplative sections to frenetic bursts of energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting nostalgia in every track
- brief yet impactful listening bursts
- poetic narratives for introspective moments
- dynamic shifts in emotional tone
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Tears of the Valedictorian is Frog Eyes' fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed album, The Future Is Inter-Disciplinary or Not at All. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their unique sound while continuing to evolve artistically, showcasing a range of experimental influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Wolf Parade· The National· Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Idle Songs 2:24
- 2 Caravan Breakers, They Prey on the Weak and the Old 7:35
- 3 "Stockades" 3:27
- 4 Reform the Countryside 5:24
- 5 The Policy Merchant, the Silver Bay 2:31
- 6 Evil Energy, the Ill Twin of... 2:42
- 7 ...Eagle Energy 1:52
- 8 Bushels 9:13
- 9 My Boats They Go 1:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.